Climate and monthly weather forecastYankton, SD
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Yankton
Geographically positioned in the United States, Yankton, South Dakota, falls under the Dfa (Humid continental, no dry season, hot summer) zone of the Köppen climate classification. This climate classification is primarily characterized by significant temperature changes throughout the year and no distinct dry period.The city experiences varying weather parameters throughout the year. Average temperatures fluctuate widely, with values ranging from a minimum of 12.9°F (-10.6°C) in January to a maximum of 84.9°F (29.4°C) in July. Humidity levels see a slightly downward trend as the year progresses, dropping from a high of 85% in January to a low of 64% in October.
Remarkably, rainfall in Yankton reaches its peak in May with an average of 3.78" (96mm), while the city observes minimal precipitation in February with an average rainfall of just 0.59" (15mm). During winter, the city sees significant snowfall with peak values observed in January, recording an average of 2.6" (66mm). Meanwhile, from June to September, no snowfall is recorded.
The best time to visit Yankton
Considered comfortable for outdoor activities, the months from June to September have more sunshine hours compared to other periods of the year and little to no snowfall. May is relatively the wettest month, receiving 3.78" (96mm) of rain, while September observes less rainfall with an average of 1.81" (46mm). Amid these months, the city witnesses average temperatures that range from a moderate 69.1°F (20.6°C) to a warm 84.9°F (29.4°C), offering a pleasant time for visitors.The worst time to visit Yankton
Yankton, in the months from January to February and November to December, may not be the best for travel enthusiasts due to harsh temperatures and significant snowfall. January experiences extreme cold, with temperature values plunging to average lows of 12.9°F (-10.6°C) and snowfall peaking at an average of 2.6" (66mm). Meanwhile, December observes snowfalls averaging 2.95" (75mm) coupled with typically low temperatures averaging 18°F (-7.8°C).Spring weather in Yankton
The onset of spring marks a transitional phase in Yankton's weather. March brings an end to winter's chill with an average high and low temperature measuring 46.9°F (8.3°C) and 30.2°F (-1°C), respectively. As the city moves into April and May, temperatures continue rising, with average highs reaching 57.9°F (14.4°C) and 69.1°F (20.6°C), respectively. Correspondingly, spring in Yankton is characterized by increasing rainfall levels, reaching up to 3.78" (96mm) in May.Summer weather in Yankton
Summer in Yankton encompasses the period from June to August. These months are marked by the highest temperatures reaching a peak of 84.9°F (29.4°C) in July. Humidity remains comparatively consistent, with average values varying between 71% and 74%. Despite being the warmest season, Yankton still receives significant rainfall during summer, with rainfall volume dropping to 2.24" (57mm) in both July and August. Furthermore, daylight hours reach their maximum level of approximately 15 hours in June.Autumn weather in Yankton
Average high temperatures in the autumn months of September to November show a declining trend with corresponding figures dropping from 76.1°F (24.5°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C). Equally, average low temperatures follow a similar pattern, receding from 55°F (12.8°C) in September to 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in November. Notably, rainfall records a slight downfall during these months with an average volume of 1.73" (44mm) observed in October.Winter weather in Yankton
The winter months of December to February in Yankton are notable for low temperatures and snow. During these months, average temperatures remain below freezing, with January registering as the coldest month of the year, displaying average high and low temperatures of 26.8°F (-2.9°C) and 12.9°F (-10.6°C), respectively. Additionally, January also observes the heaviest snowfall with an average measurement of 2.6" (66mm). Furthermore, winter features the fewest daylight hours, reaching a low of approximately 9.1 hours in December.Weather in January
January marks the beginning of the year in Yankton, South Dakota, ushering in colder temperatures and snow-covered landscapes. The weather turns relatively colder from December, with temperatures delving into a minimum of 12.9°F (-10.6°C), making it the coldest month of the year. Weather in January »Weather in February
Although February still experiences winter weather conditions, including cold temperatures and minimal daylight, the climate begins a slow transition towards spring. There is a slight rise in temperature, reaching up to a maximum of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) from the January's chill. Weather in February »Weather in March
By March, the heavy blankets of snow begin to thaw, giving way to warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Plaints and trees start to bloom again, showing signs of spring's arrival. Noteworthy is the jump in temperature to a maximum of 46.9°F (8.3°C) from the February freeze. Weather in March »Weather in April
April experiences a visible change in weather, with winter finally signing off and spring taking over. The city witnesses a significant escalation in temperature, which may rise up to 57.9°F (14.4°C), offering a more enjoyable weather. Weather in April »Weather in May
With May comes the chirping of birds, blooming flowers and a warming temperature, marking the onset of summer. There is a noticeable weather shift from April, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 69.1°F (20.6°C). As trees regain their greenery, the city's landscapes and parks offer an aesthetic delight for photography lovers. Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the official start of summer in Yankton, South Dakota. With a considerable hike in temperature reaching up to 79.7°F (26.5°C), June starts drawing sun-seekers into the city. Locals and tourists can be found sunbathing along the beaches of the Missouri River, or sailing and fishing in its waters. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Yankton, South Dakota, with the mercury level reaching a top of 84.9°F (29.4°C). While the heat may be intense during the day, the evenings offer a wonderful retreat with cooler breezes and beautiful sunsets. Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings to Yankton, South Dakota, the peak of summer with plenty of sun, but temperatures slightly reduce as compared to July, reaching up to 83.3°F (28.5°C). Recognized as a perfect time to visit the city's outdoor attractions, August gives patrons a chance to experience the best of nature. Weather in August »Weather in September
September in Yankton, South Dakota, is a month of change, where summer transitions into fall. The weather turns milder from the August heat, and the leaves start turning hues of brown, yellow, and red. Temperature ranges from slightly cooler 76.1°F (24.5°C), prompting locals and tourists to engage in more outdoor activities. Weather in September »Weather in October
October in Yankton, South Dakota, is a clear departure from the warm temperatures of September towards the chill of November. This month provides a visually stunning array of fall colors, with temperatures reaching a high of 59.4°F (15.2°C). Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Yankton, South Dakota, heralds the arrival of winter, with below-freezing temperatures and chances of early snowfall. Temperatures drop significantly from October, reaching a frosty 45.9°F (7.7°C). Although the month sees less rainfall, occasional snow showers can be expected, giving an early taste of the upcoming snowy season. Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the final month of the year, brings back the full vigor of the winter season. Yankton turns into a winter wonderland as temperatures drop to a chilling 29.8°F (-1.2°C). The city gets blanketed in snow, and the landscapes glisten under a cover of white. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 14, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Yankton's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of 26.8°F (-2.9°C) and a low of 12.9°F (-10.6°C).
With an average relative humidity of 85%, January is the most humid month.
In Yankton, South Dakota, during the entire year, the rain falls for 117.9 days and collects up to 21.93" (557mm) of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
In Yankton, South Dakota, during the entire year, snow falls for 37.4 days and aggregates up to 14.45" (367mm) of snow.
The month with the least sunshine in Yankton, South Dakota, is January, with an average of 4.4h of sunshine.
With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index in Yankton.
The month with the least rainfall in Yankton, South Dakota, is February, when the rain falls for 2.3 days and typically collects 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Yankton, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 16.9 days and typically aggregates up to 3.78" (96mm) of precipitation.
June through September are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year in Yankton, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index in Yankton are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
Yankton's temperature records reveal July as the warmest month, marked by average highs of 84.9°F (29.4°C) and lows of 64.9°F (18.3°C).
With an average of 10.8h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.
The least humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 64%.
December is the month with the most snowfall in Yankton. Snow falls for 8.1 days and accumulates 2.95" (75mm) of snow.
With an average of 9h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Yankton.
Average temperature
Yankton, SD
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (84.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (12.9°F).
Average pressure
Yankton, SD
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.85"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).
Average wind speed
Yankton, SD
- Average wind speed in January:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.1mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.9mph - Average wind speed in August:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
10.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.3mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.9mph).
Average humidity
Yankton, SD
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (64%).
Average rainfall
Yankton, SD
- Average rainfall in January:
0.67" - Average rainfall in February:
0.59" - Average rainfall in March:
1.34" - Average rainfall in April:
2.4" - Average rainfall in May:
3.78" - Average rainfall in June:
3.31"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.24" - Average rainfall in August:
2.24" - Average rainfall in September:
1.81" - Average rainfall in October:
1.73" - Average rainfall in November:
0.63" - Average rainfall in December:
1.18"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.78").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.59").
Average rainfall days
Yankton, SD
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
17.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
13.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.3 days).
Average snowfall
Yankton, SD
- Average snowfall in January:
2.6" - Average snowfall in February:
2.52" - Average snowfall in March:
2.09" - Average snowfall in April:
2.13" - Average snowfall in May:
0.31" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is December (2.95").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Yankton, SD
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
7.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
5.3 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.8 days - Average snowfall days in November:
3.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (9.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Yankton, SD
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 30min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 36min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 42min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 18min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 6min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 24min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 24min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 12min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 12min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 54min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 42min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Yankton, SD
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
9.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
21.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (21.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.3 days).
Average UV index
Yankton, SD
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Yankton, SD
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 52).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 25).
Average visibility
Yankton, SD
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
